PRIESTLEY College’s Football Academy, Warrington, have so far collected four titles this season with the potential to add a national cup to their cabinet later this month.
Both men’s teams won their divisions in the North West Colleges League with the first team maintaining a 100 per cent unbeaten record. They finished on 36 points – nine clear of nearest rivals Winstanley.
The second team also finished nine clear at the top with 33 points to second-placed Cardinal Newman on 24.
Priestley’s academy also won the regional seven-a-side cup and took more glory when they secured the Cheshire Cup with a 3-1 victory over Reaseheath in the final.
Goalkeeper Alfie Blakeley, who studies sports coaching and development, said: “It has been a very successful season and we are on track to be the best team Priestley has ever seen.
“We have really bonded as a team coming to the point where we see each other as family.”
The first team celebrate
Every player who has made an appearance for Priestley’s first team has scored except for the goalkeeper, including an outrageous chip from the spot by Freddie Ackerley.
After the Easter break, they will play at the Wham Stadium, home of Accrington Stanley FC, in the AoC National Cup final.
Captain Corey Ingle described the first team’s season as “nothing short of dominant”.
He said: “With our talent, determination and team morale, we have the potential to make history for Priestley College’s football academy,” said Corey, who studies sport and exercise science.
“We are ready to take this opportunity and leave our mark.”
